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Nashville Predators Open Applications for Vince Gill Scholarship Program

by
Press Release
/ Nashville Predators

Nashville, Tenn. (Nov. 4, 2014) – Nashville resident and Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill has partnered with the Nashville Predators and the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy to form the Vinny Rinks Scholarship. The program was formed to help provide financial assistance to Davidson County youth interested in playing hockey and learning to skate at Ford Ice Center in Antioch, Tennessee.

“After being involved in the sport of hockey for many years and as a Nashville Predators Day One season-ticket holder, helping found the Vinny Rinks program was the logical next step,” Vince Gill said. “Through Vinny Rinks, my goal is to help kids that have an interest in hockey or skating, but not the financial means to try the sport, have the chance to get on the ice. With great partners in the Preds and Scott Hamilton, I’m excited to be involved in this program and am looking forward to seeing the sport continue to grow here in Nashville.”

In addition to his involvement in the Vinny Rinks Scholarship, it was recently announced that Gill had joined the board of the Nashville Predators Foundation, the Nashville Predators’ charitable arm that strives to meet the educational, social, health and cultural needs of the community by offering unique resources and financial support to local youth-oriented organizations. Throughout the 2014-15 season, Gill will also join the Preds broadcast teams for a select number of games this season, bringing a unique fan perspective to the team’s broadcast booth.

Since its soft opening in August, Ford Ice Center has donated more than $51,000 in open skating and Get Out and Learn! program funding. These donations are in addition to the more than $75,000 the Nashville Predators donate annually to the youth hockey community through fundraisers and grant distributions. By partnering with both Vince Gill and the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy, the Nashville Predators and Ford Ice Center hope to continue to grow the sports of hockey and skating throughout Middle Tennessee.

WHAT:Vinny Rinks Scholarship

WHO:Applications are open to all Davidson County youth under the age of 18. Scholarships will be awarded to those who provide all necessary information prior to the start of the next youth hockey season or Learn to Skate session. (Next session begins Nov. 15, applications are due on Nov. 8.)

NOTES:The following information is needed to fulfill the application process:

* Bio/essay from participant on why they want to play hockey/participate in Learn to Skate

* Letter of recommendation from a teacher

* Parents/participants must volunteer at the rink for five hours per season

ABOUT FORD ICE CENTER

Ford Ice Center, which opened for business in the fall of 2014, is home of the Nashville Predators Amateur Hockey Association, the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy, collegiate club hockey teams and one of three homes to the Nashville Jr. Predators and the Greater Nashville Scholastic Hockey League. In addition to providing support and ice time for these programs, Ford Ice Center regularly offers house leagues for children and adults, Learn to Skate programs and hockey and skating development classes. For more information on how to get involved at Ford Ice Center, visit www.fordicecenter.com.